How Serious is Cardiomyopathy?

Cardiomyopathy Risks: From Arrhythmias to Sudden Cardiac Arrest

The heart is the most vital organ in our body. It acts as a pump that sustains our life process. However, cardiomyopathy can disrupt its processes. The condition affects your heart muscles and can worsen over time. It is a serious condition needing lifelong treatment.

Severity of Cardiomyopathy

Myocardium refers to your heart muscles. They are present in the middle layer of the heart wall and are made of cardiomyocytes. This muscle is crucial for pumping blood into your whole body. However, cardiomyopathy can make them stiff, thick, or enlarged.

It can also result in the formation of scar tissue. Over time, this condition can even cause heart failure. Family genes are one of the main causes of this disease.

Types of Cardiomyopathy

There are various types of cardiomyopathy, each with its own characteristics. Here are some of the following:

• Broken Heart Syndrome : Some people may experience sudden heart weakness after a stressful physical or emotional event. It can disrupt how your heart pumps blood, causing the heart muscle to balloon outwards. Other names for it include 'Takotsubo cardiomyopathy' and 'apical ballooning cardiomyopathy'.
• Dilated cardiomyopathy : This type of cardiomyopathy results in the walls of your heart becoming thin. It typically starts in your left ventricle but can quickly affect the whole heart. As a result, our body’s natural pump loses its ability to do so properly, leaving more blood after each pump.
• Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia : This is a rare type of cardiomyopathy where fibrous tissues replace your heart’s damaged tissues. Moreover, it stretches your right ventricle and disrupts your heartbeat signals. People affected by arrhythmia are more likely to develop this condition.
• Alcohol-Induced Cardiomyopathy : As the name suggests, this is caused by heavy alcohol use. In this, your heart changes its shape, causing long-term damage. It results in your heart losing its ability to pump well, and your body does not receive enough oxygen.
• Restrictive cardiomyopathy : This condition affects your heart’s ability to pump, leading to heart failure. Your left ventricle stiffens, unable to fill up with blood.

Potential Complications of Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy can cause serious complications such as:

• Irregular Heartbeat : Our heart sends electrical signals which help it beat. However, arrhythmia can affect this and make you skip a beat. It is a dangerous complication of cardiomyopathy.
• Sudden Cardiac Arrest : Irregular heartbeat can also lead to sudden cardiac arrest. In this, the heart stops beating completely. It is an emergency and requires immediate medical attention.
• Heart Failure : When your heart fails to pump blood effectively, your body does not receive enough oxygen. It leads to shortness of breath and fluid buildup inside your body.
• Blood Clots : Blood clots can be dangerous if not addressed. It can cause blockages in your blood vessels and even disrupt other organ functions.
• Heart Valve Problem : Our hearts contain valves which prevent unpurified blood from leaking into the purified version. However, cardiomyopathy can cause problems with these valves, leading to inefficient blood flow.

Prognosis of Cardiomyopathy

It is a serious condition that disrupts daily activities. If left untreated or undertreated, it can be fatal and worsen over time. However, there are treatments and medications available that can help you manage symptoms and lead a quality life.

The severity of cardiomyopathy depends on the type you have. Broken heart syndrome may resolve within a few months. However, arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia can be lifelong. Practising preventative methods may help you lead a healthy life.